Thunder Bay man banned from owning animals for 5 years after abandoning dog

Thunder Bay man banned from owning animals for 5 years after abandoning dog

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Thunder Bay, ON (October 31, 2018) – A 41-year-old Thunder Bay man is prohibited from owning pets for five years after being found guilty under provincial animal welfare legislation relating to the treatment of a dog in his care.

Cory Toal (Lacroix) was found guilty on October 12, 2018 in a Thunder Bay Provincial Offences Court of permitting distress to an animal and failing to provide the care necessary for general welfare. The Justice of the Peace sentenced Toal to a five-year prohibition preventing him from owning or caring for animals during that time. He also received two years probation and was fined $500.

A bulldog cross was brought to the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society on November 14, 2017 by a landlord after she was found abandoned in unsanitary conditions inside a rental unit. There was no heat on in the apartment and the dog did not have access to food or water. Attempts to locate the dog’s owner were unsuccessful.

An investigation was launched and an Ontario SPCA officer with the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society located Toal, who was subsequently charged.

“Pets are not objects to be left behind when you no longer want them. You have a responsibility to ensure the proper and humane care of that animal,” says Lynn Michaud, Senior Inspector, Ontario SPCA. “If you are in a position where you can no longer care for your animal, contact the Ontario SPCA or your local humane society to discuss rehoming options.”

Protecting animals since 1873, Ontario SPCA is Ontario's animal welfare organization. A registered charity comprised of close to 50 communities.

Since 1919, when Ontario's first animal welfare legislation was proclaimed, the Ontario SPCA, with the help of its Communities, has been entrusted to maintain and enforce animal welfare legislation. The Act provides Ontario SPCA Agents and Inspectors with police powers to do so.